Kemeri National Park as a nature-protected area of international importance was established in 1997. Its work is regulated by the law “On Kemeri National Park” (2001). The area of the park is 38,165 ha including 57% forest , 24% bog and 10% open water.
The goals of the park's administration are as follows:
-to protect natural eco-systems, sites of rare and endangered species and rare habitats;
-to maintain values of nature, cultural history and spa;
-to protect processes of formation of mineral water and medical mud;
-to promote ecological education;
-to facilitate sustainable management related to nature tourism.
A part of the park's territory was shaped by the ancient Littorina Sea, which left behind rows of inland dunes and shallow lakes (Lakes Kaņieris, Dūņieris, Slokas).
This territory was relatively little affected by the human activity, mainly in the coastal fishing villages and in agricultural lands around Slampe. Therefore KNP is a home to many protected plant and animal species that are rare both in Latvia and Europe.
At present, the largest part of the park is covered by bogs and forests. Lielais Ķemeru tīrelis bog with its maze of bog lakes is very special. Thanks to bogs, mineral water rich in hydrogen sulphide forms underground, which was the basis for the former Kemeri spa.
Both shallow lakes and bogs are important nesting sites for various waterfowl species and nesting sites for thousands of migrating geese and cranes. Wet floodplain forests are home to the white-backed woodpecker – the symbol of Kemeri NP. Various orchid species grow in calcareous meadows and fens.
KNP offers its visitors a range of activities – excursions to the bog boardwalk, hiking on marked routes with or without a guide. Here you can see forest animals in their natural habitat as well as free-ranging Heck cattle. It has become a tradition to organise annual events, e.g., Bird Days in spring or the Bat Night.
Welcome to Kemeri National Park !
Last revision 19-05-2008
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